Optical measurement ensures that processes are under control and that parts are within specification.
It is common to hear "optical inspection and measurement," but is that one thing, or two separate processes? Optical inspection usually means visually observing a part to look for imperfections or inconsistencies with the desired outcome. Because it can be difficult to see these things at actual size, inspection is usually done by magnifying the part with a simple lens or a complex optical system. Dedicated illumination is typically used to enhance image quality. The magnified image can appear in an eyepiece, a projection screen or on a monitor if a camera is used to capture that image. Optical inspection is usually qualitative and somewhat subjective.